introduction

This book is for you if you want more.

More joy.

More freedom.

More hope.

More healing.

More life!

If you want to laugh more.

And be more kind.

Be more happy.

Be more yourself.

If you want to love more, know God more, and become more content in your own skin.

And really, who doesn’t?

There is such a thing as holy dissatisfaction. It is an unsettled feeling inside that moves you not toward self-contempt but to a passionate pursuit of the God who says more is available.

I want more. I bet you do too.

Hi. I’m Stasi and, okay, yes, it’s been a while since I was in middle school or high school, or even was carded while purchasing a bottle of wine as a housewarming gift. I’m in my fifties. We might as well get that out in the open right away. I’m in my fifties and I’m not your teacher, your aunt, your sister, your youth group leader, your neighbor, or your mom. And I’ve learned some things along the way getting to this age. I’ve learned from the women around me—younger and older—and some of what I’ve learned I want to share with you! Want to get cozy and settle in? Let me begin by sharing these ultimate words of wisdom.

It gets better.

No, really. It does. It might feel hard for a while there. Life is kind of like that, but cross my heart, I’m telling you the truth. It gets better.

You will find your way. You will grow and learn and figure it out and change in the ways you so long to. Because of Jesus. Because of Jesus, change is not only possible, it’s promised.

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. (2 Cor. 3:18)

You are being transformed into the very image of Jesus. He who has called you is faithful, and what he has begun he will complete. You are not on your own, but you have a part to play. You must be an active participant in your own life. Jesus wants you to be free to be and offer and even enjoy who you are. Do you want this too? Then let’s go forward into the book. I think it holds some beautiful treasures for you!

at a glance

I want you to read the book. I really do. Better, I’d love you to read it with a few friends and share your thoughts about it. Share your life. This isn’t a book of advice; it’s a book about the journey of life that you are on. Still, if you want me to give you some advice, this would be it. It would make a good poster.

Go ahead and be smart. Be strong. Be kind. Be glorious. Be courageous. Be YOU. Care for your heart. Care for your body. Allow yourself to dream. Ask questions. Break barriers. Write thank-you notes. Pursue truth. Pursue healing. Pursue Jesus.

Laugh. Explore. Pay more attention to how you feel than how you look. Tell yourself you’re beautiful. Go for a walk. Daydream. Take a self-defense course. Volunteer. Be an advocate for someone in need. Find your passion. Read a book just for fun. Pray. Listen.

Find pictures in clouds. Laugh at yourself. Smile at strangers. Give large tips. Open the door for others. Say thank you when someone does it for you. Just say thank you. A lot. Respect your intuition. Practice a firm handshake. Look people in the eyes.

Ask God to reveal his love for you. Pay attention. Forgive offenses. Let people go who aren’t true friends. Don’t look back. Try something new. Go bowling. Go to the zoo. Fly a kite at the park. Get back on your bike. Get a bike. Pet a dog. Set a goal. Live your life. Invite someone to come along with you.

When you enjoy something, be it a fragrance, a feeling, or a view, receive it as the love note from Jesus that it is and say to him, “I love you, too.”

And now, let’s move away from advice giving and get into the heart of the matter. Which, by the way, is your heart.